The Los Angeles Lakers have made themselves into title contenders once again and a lot of that has to do with the addition of Steve Nash. In years prior, the Lakers clearly lacked at the point guard position, but they now have a future Hall of Famer running the offense. Nash brings a different dimension to this Lakers squad, and that is something Mike Brown is looking forward to seeing.
Brown took on a very demanding role as head coach of the Lakers, especially after the retirement of Phil Jackson. Brown did not have a true point to run set plays and that surely slowed down the adjustment process. Yes Brown had Kobe Bryant, but it took time for him and the rest of the players to move on from the Triangle offense. However, with the addition of Nash, Brown can pass on his plays to the Canadian and he now has another leader on the court, according to the USA Today.
“One thing, he’s a leader and he’s a very intelligent leader, so he’s going to help add to that,” Brown said. “We already have a lot of intelligent guys, and Kobe (Bryant)’s done a fantastic job in the leadership department, which will continue, so I think he’ll fit in seamlessly in those areas. On top of that, you’re talking about a guy that just goes out and understands the game, especially on the offensive end of the floor, very well.”
The Lakers now have one of the best backcourts in the NBA and it will present many problems for opponents. Kobe Bryant can create shots for himself anywhere on the court, but he now as an elite point guard who can set him up perfectly. Although Nash isn’t as explosive as some of the guards in this league, he is a savvy player who understands the position. Los Angeles is fighting for a championship and having a leader who is one of the best and is willing to sacrifice is the ultimate dream.
Brown later went on to say that Nash will make life easier for his teammates and for himself. Nash almost took a team of Marcin Gortat and Channing Frye to the NBA Playoffs, so imagine what he can do with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. He can locate players anywhere on the court and give them open, easy looks.
As for Mike Brown’s case, Nash is essentially a coach on the floor. Nash can take the burden off Brown by calling plays by himself. Nash runs the pick-and-roll flawlessly and such an effective play will make Brown a much more relaxed coach.
